<p>My D, an English major, is planning on doing a semester abroad in the Spring. She was all set to apply to St. Andrews--it was all she would talk about for the past year but now that it's time to apply she's been reading American student reviews of the place and they are not good, and some of the reviewers wish they'd applied to the University of Edinburgh instead. Now D's getting cold feet about St. Andrews and leaning, based on very little information and some unhappy reviews, towards Edinburgh instead. </p>
<p>D is currently at a small LAC (which she loves) that also has its share of "traditions", so the size of the place and general quirkiness aren't the issues. I'm wondering if her trepidation is related to stuff she's heard about the coursework, the faculty, the general social climate, the social climate as it relates to students who are only going to be there for one semester (and Spring semester at that), the actual physical climate or what. I don't really care which university she chooses, although I've heard Edinburgh is a great city with lots to do (vs St. Andrews which consists of a village, a University and a golf course). </p>
<p>Has anyone had experience with one or both universities and can give me some insight here?</p>
<p>I don’t know how many American’s are at each, but my daughter wanted to not hang out with just American’s and she heard Edinburgh was easier on that front. She roomed with Scottish students, and really only had 1 friend from the US…took Scottish dancing class, never felt isolated as a St Andrew student told her they did.
She liked her professors and worked hard, different grading, etc. but she went in eyes open.
She also looked at The Student Room (just google) for help with picking a residence but in the end ended up at one that wasn’t very nice (waited too long to decide) She said it was fine though, close to a park, and there was so much to see and do, it didn’t matter how posh her room was. '</p>
<p>Debruns: Thanks! I just came from exploring The Student Room and e-mailed two relevant web discussion boards to my D; the ones for St. Andrews and U of E. Hopefully she’ll sign on and get answers to her most pressing questions.</p>
<p>Quite the opposite on the student satisfaction about Edinburgh. Amongst British students Edinburgh is notorious for having very low satisfaction rates, as they care little about the individual but more about research etc. St Andrews departments are much more personal!</p>
<p>I studied for a year at Edinburgh and it was among the best experiences of my life. The campus is spectacular, the surrounding city and landscape is breathtaking - I think the city feels enchanted! I do agree with CJY though, it’s a large university and I felt none of the faculty were particularly interested in my satisfaction/endeavors etc. St. Andrews is a lot smaller so I imagine more personal, but I’ve never been.</p>
<p>To be honest, I’d say go to St. Andrews. Follow through with your dreams (well, tell this to your daughter). Once she’s there it’ll feel like she was always meant to go there and she can always visit Edinburgh just because it’s beautiful. :)</p>